On the impact of the explosion that occurred near the Taksim Square in the center of Istanbul, the “Istiklal” street in which the explosion occurred is the greatest fame that almost exceeded its fame in the past, so how did this street won its fame and what is its importance? And why is it known as “independence”?
The “Istiklal” street, in which at least 6 people were killed and 81 people were wounded as a result of the explosion that occurred yesterday, is one of the most famous streets of Istanbul, where many archaeological buildings, clothing stores, exhibitions, libraries, cinemas and nightclubs are located, as it is penetrated by “Tram Any “old has been established since the” Ottoman “, in addition to European diplomatic missions, including the French consulate.
A Turkish historian named Umet Dogan refrained from talking to Al -Arabiya. net about the history of “Istiklal Street” because of the prohibition imposed by the Turkish authorities temporarily about touching on the explosion that Ankara accuses armed men related to the “Kurdistan Workers Party” of standing behind it, although “Kurdistan” denied This is officially after being accused by the Turkish Interior Minister, Suleiman Sweilo.
The “Istiklal” Street is a major tourist destination for Istanbul visitors, as hundreds of thousands of different countries of the world are visited, and it was known as the “Great Street” until the end of the “Ottoman” era, where it was then a center for Turkish and European intellectuals, but with the announcement of the establishment of the current Turkish Republic in 1923 The name of this street was changed to “independence” to commemorate the Turkish Ankara of “Independence”.
The “Istiklal” Street is also a well -known place to revive many occasions such as New Year and anti -government demonstrations, in addition to that it witnesses exhibitions of books and other handicrafts, along with activities for children and women in which it is held periodically. Terrorist attacks between 2015 and 2016 witnessed, as ISIS adopted those attacks that killed about 500 people and wounded more than two thousand people.
In addition to the above, the “Istiklal” street, which is witnessing a bombing for the first time since 2016, includes a memorial for the Turkish Republic and the “liberation and victory” feast, and tourists usually wander in this street to take pictures, and they also use the historical “tram” of the red color that Its existence dates back to 1875.
The “tram”, which is transported daily 2500 people, moves from the “Istiklal” street in the European part of Istanbul, passing through the old tunnel in the Ghaza area to the archaeological tower of Ghata.
The security authorities have closed most of the roads leading to this street since yesterday, as the police are deployed for fear of new attacks..
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